Stacey - We builders in Michigan recently won a three year legislative battle with our beloved Governor and now have started requiring con ed. It was a complete "professionalism" package meant to beef up the requirements to become a licensed builder and, now, to remain a licensed builder. It was great that the industry took the lead on it because we're the ones who get the blame when the bad actors build junk or when the shade tree contractor (who is usually unlicensed and uninsured) leaves a legacy of garbage. The home builder associations are now putting together courses on legal, building codes, jobsite safety, business management and...my favorite...BUILDING SCIENCE!! Trying to work in some green building/IAQ/healthy home courses too. Good luck with your efforts!

Hey thanks Chris.

Bravo!  I'm so happy for your comment because many people seem to think that I'm pissing off builders.  I keep saying "not the good ones who are out there doing this stuff already!" 

I work with many great builders who really care about their trade and think it's the only way to get all of the lazy ones to either step up to the plate, or get out of dodge.

The NAHB Green Building conference is in May in New Orleans.  It's a fabulous conference if you haven't been and full of great building science sessions.

I'm going to check out Michigan's books on this - thanks again so much!

-Stacey

Thanks Stacye! I actually spoke at last year's NAHB Green conference. Great program...especially when I'm speaking. Kidding.

Nice.  What was your presentation on?  Will you be attending this year?

It would be great if you could sign the petition and maybe comment about it having been done in Michigan.  Pretty please.

-S

Stacey,

Some great points.  The general public assumes that everyone is qualified and certified when just about anyone can claim to be a "builder".  Michigan has set up some guidelines for this like Chris mentioned... now we are fighting those who claim to be "green" builders but truly are doing the greenwashing.  NOT Chris :), he builds a great home but others make claims that just aren't true.

Thanks Tammy.

Yes that is exactly what happens with consumers, and is rampant n my industry as well...

Greenwashing will continue to be a huge problem, especially as "green" gets trendier and trendier.  Much of my consulting work these days deals with just that in fact.

I would urge you and others from Michigan to sign the petition and add comments about the benefit that will surely be gained by everyone.

Also, for those of you in Michigan and interested in green building, this just came my way.

TRAVERSE CITY, MI ? Green Building practices are becoming the standard benchmark of excellence in the construction industry. "Green Building for Performance, Durability, Comfort, and Health: Tactics for Success" is a one-day seminar being held at Northwestern Michigan College's Milliken Auditorium on March 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Participants will gain up-to-date information relating to the science and expertise being applied in contemporary building practices. Topics include: what makes a building green, cold climate construction, moisture challenges, air filtration and envelope sealing, air quality  and comfort, HVAC issues, performance criteria and guarantees, zero-energy and high-performance homes, and best practices in green building. Exhibits and check-in begins at 7:30 a.m.

The Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area and Northwestern Michigan College, with sponsorship from the Traverse City Area American Institute of Architects, are partnering to host this seminar and bring nationally known building performance consultant, Doug Garrett, to Traverse City. Mr. Garrett is a Certified Energy Manager with both CEM and CDSM designations from the Association of Energy Engineers. He brings 15 years combined experience guiding energy management in the City of Austin Texas while working with one of the nation's leading Green Building Programs.

The seminar is open to anyone interested in building performance issues, and is recommended for general contractors, HVAC professionals, energy specialists, real estate professionals, architects, building managers, and sales and service professionals.

For registrations received by March 4, the seminar cost is $75 and ncludes lunch; registration is $85 the day of the event, with lunch provided as available.  For more information or to register, call 231-995-1700, go to www.nmc.edu/energy, or stop into the NMC Extended Educational Services office, room 102 at the University Center on Cass Road in Traverse City.